How To Apply Rubber Grease To The Tube On Your Dirt Bike
In a previous article, I discussed why I use rubber grease. In this article, I’ll show you how to use it properly if you try it yourself.
Pre-Service Notes
- If you need parts and tools, make sure to buy them here! → https://amzn.to/40uWvWN
- Pictures with captions are after the steps below.
- If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask!
Start With A Clean Tube & Tire
Rubber grease is very sticky, so start by removing any potential contaminants from your wheel and work surface.
If you use any solvents to clean your rim, double ensure they are gone before letting it dry.
Wash your tire, give it a good whack after it’s dry, and vacuum out any leftover grit. Ensure your work surface is clean, dry, and contaminant-free.
Finally, make sure you have a clean tube. You may be tempted to skip this part, but imagine a rock in your shoe. Now, imagine that rock in your shoe for a few years.
Because rubber grease is so sticky, mount the tire to the rim as soon as possible to avoid contamination. So, keep your tire spoons handy!
Even if you decide that rubber grease isn’t for you, installing your tube with a clean rim tube and tire is still ideal.
![Rim Power Wash](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Rim-Power-Wash.jpg)
![Rim CLR Scrub](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Rim-CLR-Scrub.jpg)
![Tire Vacuum](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Tire-Vacuum.jpg)
Related: Why do tires dry rot, and how can you avoid it?
Tools & Supplies
Wear rubber gloves and clothes you don’t care about and put a towel down to keep your work area clean.
Rubber Grease Application
- Place your flat tube inside the tire and inflate it until it stays in place.
- Pull the tube out and set it on your tire.
- Make sure to replace the valve cap.
- Apply the grease in a thick ring on one side of the tube, then close the container. You don’t want to be handling the jar with greasy hands.
- Work the grease around the tube.
- Once you have your tube completely covered, place it inside the tire.
- Line up and Install the valve stem. Trow the nut from your old tube just enough to keep the valve from slipping out of the rim.
- With the rim lock facing you, you can push down on the rim, and the tire bead will slide right over.
- When the bead reaches the rim lock, slide your tire spoons over it. Flip your wheel and install the second bead normally.
![1 - Flat Tube In Rim](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Flat-Tube-In-Rim.jpg)
![2 - Inflate Tube In Tire](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Inflate-Tube-In-Tire.jpg)
![3 - Remove Tube From Tire](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Remove-Tube-From-Tire.jpg)
![4 - Replace The Valve Cap](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Repalce-Valve-Cap.jpg)
![5 - Apply Rubber Grease To The Tube](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Apply-Grease-To-Tube.jpg)
![5 - Work The Grease Onto Tube](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Work-Grease-Onto-Tube.jpg)
![6 - Place Your Greased Tube In The Tire](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Place-Greased-Tube-in-Tire.jpg)
![7 - Align The Valve Stem To The Rim](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Align-Valve-Stem-To-Rim.jpg)
![8 - Push The Rim Into The Tire](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Push-Rim-Into-Tire.jpg)
![9 - Pull The Tire Over The Rim Lock](https://www.fixyourdirtbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Pull-Tire-Over-Rim-Lock.jpg)
If you’ve never changed a tire, watch my tire change guide for a detailed walk-through. If you want to try installing your tube using rubber grease, you can always get a great deal on eBay.Rubber grease can be messy if you’re not careful, but the benefits far outweigh the extra 20 minutes of work. Plus, it makes your tire installation way too easy.
If you have any questions or anything to add, please leave them in the comments or on our Facebook page!